About Us

Meet Karen

I wasn’t always a consultant. I was in the trenches—working inside a startup, wearing too many hats, and trying to build systems while doing the work at the same time.

I remember being asked to create a project plan and design documentation for a new client. There were no templates. No standard processes. Nothing to build on. So I created it all from scratch. What started as a workaround became the foundation for every project after that—saving time, improving quality, and training the team.

That moment stuck with me. Because I saw how much energy businesses waste trying to reinvent the wheel, recover from dropped balls, or work around broken systems. I saw how quickly growth can break things when you don’t have the right foundation.

Today, I help CEOs simplify what’s behind the scenes—so they can scale with confidence, protect their profits, and build a business that doesn’t depend on their constant involvement. My work blends financial clarity, operational systems, and people-centered leadership, because real sustainability takes more than one lever. It takes alignment.

Karen was a valued member of our senior management team. She was a strong and steady voice in our leadership team during our growth and through two acquisitions. She contributed significantly to tactical operations and our strategic market research as we navigated "Crossing the Chasm" during significant changes in our market and client base. Her understanding of both operations and strategy makes her an ideal partner in executive management and strategic consulting.

Jim P.

Few people with whom I've worked seem to have the dedication to the task, the integrity, and the willingness to roll back their sleeves and get the job done. I have witnessed the impact she has had on other colleagues and subordinates. Many people, both within and beyond her official purview, have expressed their sincere gratitude for having her as a resource and influence.

Steve S.

It was under Karen's leadership and tutelage that I gained experience, developed my skills, and succeeded. I hold Karen in the highest regard for many reasons -- her amazing memory, ability to keep a clear and level head in the worst business situations, engaging and encouraging demeanor, and willingness to always see herself as a leader and trainer. She supported me through difficult internal and external conflicts, and I will forever be grateful to her for that. She serves as a model of leadership to me and inspires me every day. Karen's expertise, her loyalty, her ability to communicate complicated concepts and ideas clearly, and her management/leadership ability are unmatched.

Ellen B.

Karen had a clear strategic direction for the organization as a whole, and she was able to effectively motivate and mobilize many different functions in order to execute the vision.

Karen L.

Karen has proven to be a consistently strong leader and outstanding communicator. She has an outstanding ability to gather feedback from a large number of team members and educational leaders. She is highly skilled in the ability to analyze the data in detail and quickly turn that data into information that can be used for analysis and decision-making.

Tim H.

I don’t just fix workflows or layer on technology—I build structural integrity into your business.

That means we don’t treat symptoms—we solve root issues. I work at the intersection of systems, financial clarity, and people strategy, because everything in a business is connected. A cash flow issue might be caused by a clunky delivery process. A team performance gap might be the result of poor system design. If you try to scale one area without supporting the others, things break.

That’s why I don’t offer one-size-fits-all frameworks or tech-first quick fixes. I help you build a strong, self-sustaining business that performs under pressure—one that can grow without depending on your constant presence to hold it all together.

Who I Work With

My clients are smart, values-driven CEOs who care deeply about the business they’ve built—and the people behind it. They’ve grown fast, but now the cracks are starting to show. The systems are strained. The financial picture feels foggy. And their team is stretched thinner than they’d like to admit. These leaders don’t need more hustle or another shiny tool—they need clarity, alignment, and a trusted partner who can help them build a business that actually works.

You might be a good fit if…

You’re leading a small but growing business in the tech or services industries

Revenue is up, but profitability and peace of mind are down

You’ve outgrown the DIY systems that got you here

You care about your team and want to build a business that works for everyone

You’re ready to fix what’s not working—with solutions that go deeper than dashboards or downloads

Authenticity & Transparency

We believe in honesty, integrity, and open communication.

We value clients who operate transparently and care deeply about creating a positive impact—for their business, their teams, and themselves.

Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

We partner with leaders who aren’t content with “good enough.”

Our clients are driven to achieve extraordinary results in both business and life. We support their bold goals with strategic systems and solutions that unlock their full potential.

People-Centric
Leadership

Your team isn’t just an asset—they’re the heart of your business.

Our clients prioritize creating great places to work where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired. We help them build cultures that are more than just a paycheck and foster meaning, growth, and real contribution.

Work-Life
Harmony

Success shouldn’t come at the cost of your personal life.

We support business owners who want more freedom—not more hustle. Through smarter systems, we help them reclaim their time and enjoy the moments that matter.

Infectious
Enthusiasm

Positivity fuels progress.

We love working with leaders who bring energy, optimism, and a good sense of humor to the table. That joy is contagious—and it builds strong teams and resilient businesses.

Systems
Thinking

Everything in your business is connected.

We don’t just optimize isolated parts—we look at the whole. Our solutions are built to strengthen the entire system and prevent problems before they start.

Karen Hairston - 3s Smart Consulting - About us Image 56

Professional Highlights & Affiliations

I bring a mix of hands-on experience and big-picture thinking to every engagement. I’ve led systems, training, and operations projects for startups, state agencies, and Fortune 500 companies—including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Motorola, and Rockwell Collins. I’ve also worked closely with organizations like Michigan State University, the State of Michigan, and ASCD.

Along the way, I’ve earned credentials like PMP® certification and the Clear Path to Cash™ Professional Certification, and I’ve been honored with awards including the Brandon Hall Gold Medal for eLearning design. My insights on systems and profitability have been featured in the Small Business Association of Michigan’s Focus publication, as well as the Expert in You magazine and podcast.

Previously, I served as Chairperson of the Education Work Group for the XR Association, helping shape the future of learning and technology in business and education.

Your Systems Are Speaking.
Are You Listening?

Structure. Simplicity. Sustainability.

Meet Karen

It’s Not Just What You Fix—It’s How